Wildlife

Twite Welfare: Upland Moorland and Coastal Salt Marsh

The twite is a declining finch of upland moorland and coastal salt marshes whose welfare depends on seed-rich habitats and freedom from disturbance at key wintering sites.

Key Facts

UK twite populations have declined by around 55% since the 1970s
Breeding populations are centred on upland moorland in northern England, Scotland and Ireland
Wintering populations use coastal salt marshes and stubble fields, particularly in East Anglia and the Thames Estuary
They feed on seeds of moorland plants such as rushes and sedges in summer and coastal plants in winter

Welfare Considerations

Upland habitat degradation from overgrazing and changes in burning management reduces seed-producing plant diversity. Loss of coastal salt marsh from sea level change and development removes critical wintering habitat. Disturbance of wintering flocks at key coastal sites causes welfare stress and reduced feeding time. Agri-environment scheme options for both upland and coastal habitats are needed.

What You Can Do

Support upland and coastal habitat conservation through relevant wildlife trusts
Submit twite flock counts to Wetland Bird Survey and BTO schemes
Advocate for salt marsh creation and protection policies on English coasts
Donate to RSPB and BTO working on twite recovery in upland and coastal areas